Two short course world bronze for Aussies

Australia have added two bronze to their medal tally but there was no stopping a record breaking United States on day two of the world short course swimming titles in Hangzhou, China.

On the second night of the six-day titles, top qualifier Alex Graham had to settle for third in the men's 200m freestyle final while former junior world champion Minna Atherton grabbed a surprise podium finish in the women's 100m backstroke.

However, the Americans ruled the pool. They won five of the eight gold medals on offer and set two world records.

Commonwealth Games relay gold medallist Graham appeared the man to beat in the 200m freestyle medal race but was upstaged by American Blake Pieroni's fast start in lane eight with Lithuania's Danas Rapsys nabbing silver.

World champion Emily Seebohm - tackling a tough six individual race program - was sixth in a tight 100m backstroke final as teammate Atherton claimed her first medal at a world championship.

The teenager tied for third with Briton Georgia Davies while American Olivia Smoliga upset world record holder and two-time defending champion, Hungary superstar Katinka Hosszu, to take gold.

For the second night in succession, former dual world champion Mitch Larkin missed a medal by a fingertip.

After being denied 200m individual medley bronze by 0.05 of a second the previous night, two-time defending champion Larkin again had to settle for fourth - pipped by 0.06 for a pdium spot in the 100m backstroke.